Rail

Light rail foes unable to revive Vancouver petition

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Columbian reported that citizens who support a vote on a new light rail extension made their case to the Vancouver City Council, but were not able to revive a petition the county declared invalid this month. Petitioners fell just short of the required number of valid signatures to force council action or a public vote.

The light rail opponents circulated a proposal that would have prohibited the use of any Vancouver city funds to extend a light rail system into town from Portland, Ore. For the full story, click here.

Economic development within one-half mile of the system has been stimulated by ridership that has exceeded original projections. Valley Metro began compiling development activity since construction started in 2005 as part of an economic development database.

The new bike car contains 14 racks that will provide more room to maneuver bicycles on and off the train. A set of seats were removed from the lower level of the vehicle to make room for the bike racks.